Emergency Help Abroad - Greece

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Greece — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Drug offences carry serious penalties, including prison sentences and heavy fines.

• Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to arrest.

• Carrying knives or weapons without legitimate purpose is illegal and can result in detention.

• Drink-driving laws are strict; random breath tests are common, especially on islands.

• Public drunkenness that causes disturbance can lead to fines or removal by police.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Modest clothing is expected in monasteries and religious sites; inappropriate dress may lead to denied entry.

• Damaging or removing stones from archaeological sites is illegal and prosecuted.

• Public nudity outside designated beaches is prohibited.

• Eating or drinking on certain historic steps or monuments may attract penalties.

• Littering, especially in national parks or coastal areas, can lead to fines.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can ask for identification; travellers should carry a passport or copy.

• Aggressive or disruptive behaviour in nightlife zones may lead to arrest.

• Scams targeting tourists exist at ATMs, ticket machines and taxi ranks — always be cautious.

• Attempting to bribe officials or negotiate unofficial payments is illegal.

• Filming police or security operations may escalate tensions.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport requires valid tickets; inspectors frequently check on Athens metro and ferries.

• Riding scooters, ATVs or motorbikes without the correct licence or helmet is illegal and voids insurance.

• Driving offences such as speeding or mobile-phone use are enforced with on-the-spot fines.

• Parking violations in city centres and tourist towns may result in towing or penalties.

• Overstaying visa or Schengen limits can lead to deportation and future entry bans.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is restricted near airports, archaeological sites and military areas.

• Photographing military bases, airports or sensitive installations is strictly prohibited.

• Commercial drone use requires prior authorisation.

• Some monasteries prohibit interior photography; always follow signage.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Lighting fires or barbecues in forests or rural areas is illegal during summer due to wildfire risk.

• Swimming in areas marked as dangerous or closed may result in fines.

• Damaging marine ecosystems or disturbing protected wildlife is prohibited.

• Smoking bans apply to many public indoor spaces, including ferries.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing stones, sand or artefacts from beaches or archaeological zones is illegal.

• Climbing on ancient ruins or restricted structures can lead to arrest or fines.

• Entering roped-off or protected areas is prohibited.

• Purchasing items made from endangered species or looted antiquities is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels comfortable or commonplace in the UK may not be interpreted the same way in Greece.

• Don’t climb on ancient ruins or barriers, even for photos; Greek authorities strictly protect archaeological sites and can issue fines.

• Don’t remove stones, pottery or fragments from historic sites or beaches, as taking artefacts or natural materials may be illegal.

• Don’t light barbecues or fires in forests or dry rural areas, particularly during summer, when wildfire risk is extremely high.

• Don’t ignore red flag warnings or strong sea currents, especially on exposed beaches where drownings sadly occur each year.

• Don’t trespass on private land to reach viewpoints, particularly near cliffs, farms or vineyards where hazards are not always signposted.

• Don’t drive off-road or onto fragile coastal dunes, as you may damage protected habitats and risk getting stuck or fined.

• Don’t assume all small churches and chapels are for tourists, as many are active places of worship – dress modestly and behave quietly.

• Don’t rely solely on cards on smaller islands, where ATMs may be limited and some family-run businesses still prefer cash.

• Don’t leave valuables in cars or quad bikes, particularly at remote beaches or trailheads where opportunistic theft can happen.

• Don’t ride scooters or ATVs without a helmet, or without the correct licence; serious accidents involving tourists are common.

• Don’t treat tavernas as fast-food outlets, as meals are relaxed, often shared and served at a measured pace rather than rushed.

• Don’t flush paper or sanitary items in certain toilets, especially where signs ask you to use bins due to older plumbing systems.

• Don’t drink excessively and cause disturbance in residential areas, especially late at night in villages where families live above or next to bars.

• Don’t disrespect religious festivals, processions or cemeteries, including loud behaviour, inappropriate clothing or intrusive photography.

• Don’t ignore local advice about hiking in high heat, particularly on island trails with little shade and limited water sources.

• Don’t drive after drinking, even “just a little”, as enforcement is increasing and penalties are serious if you’re over the limit.

• Don’t assume all ferries and boats run on time or in bad weather, and avoid aggressive behaviour towards staff when schedules change for safety reasons.

• Don’t haggle aggressively in shops where fixed prices are displayed, reserving bargaining for clearly tourist-focused stalls or markets.

• Don’t forget that hand gestures can have different meanings, and avoid using unfamiliar or potentially offensive signs when frustrated.

• Don’t underestimate the sun’s intensity, especially in midday hours, as sunburn and heat exhaustion are very common for unprepared visitors.